Chandra L. Forshey Ontko
For Judge of the Noble County Court
Unexpired Term Ending 12/31/2024
Candidate Details
- Residence
Caldwell - Email
chandralontko@gmail.com - Social Media
- Age
43 - Occupation
Counsellor At Law - Education
Shenandoah High School, 1997, Valedictorian
Malone University, 2001, Bachelor of Arts degree in Law & Society with a Minor in Political Science
Roger Williams University School of Law, 2004, Juris Doctor
Roger Williams University School of Justice Studies, 2005, Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice
Ohio Bar License May 2005
District of Columbia Bar License March 2006
- Work Experience
Counsellor at Law and then Ontko Law, LLC May 2005 to Present
Noble County Child Support Enforcement Agency Attorney 2012 to Present
Zane State College Adjunct Professor March 2012 to March 2019
Guernsey County Child Support Enforcement Agency Attorney 2009 to 2016
Caldwell Village Solicitor December 2009 to December 2013
Village Solicitor for Summerfield, Sarahsville, Belle Valley, Senecaville, Dexter City on an as needed basis at various times over the years
- Family
Married with 2 children, 1 foreign exchange student, 4 dogs, 2 canaries - Affiliations
Ohio State Bar Association
Noble County Bar Association
Guernsey County Bar Association and Pro Bono Committee
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Zane State College Foundation Board of Directors, Chair
Paws, Inc., Humane Society of Noble County, President and Board Member
Guernsey Noble Business and Professional Women's Club Member
Women Interested in Children, Board Member
Guernsey County Lion's Club Member
Black Diamond Girl Scouts Council Troop 65669 of Noble County co-leader of Daisies
Caldwell Redskins Band Boosters Member
Ragan's Chapel United Methodist Church lifelong member
Chandra L. Forshey Ontko
Question 1
List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Noble County Court, Acting Judge, September 2020 to February 2021
This made me the first female Judge in Noble County.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersNoble County Court, Acting Judge, September 2020 to February 2021
Question 2
What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have extensive courtroom experience since I started practicing law in this county and the surrounding counties. I have represented clients in all types of criminal cases and in every type of criminal case that occurs in county court. Further, I have represented clients in many types of civil litigation, including the types of civil litigation that goes through county court. Because of my representation of clients, I have learned the importance and value of carefully explaining all aspects of the proceedings to all persons involved, making sure everyone knows what role each person plays, what is expected, and what occurs during a hearing. For many persons coming into the courtroom this can be their first experience in a courtroom. Every case should be treated on its own merit and is deserving of careful consideration and active listening. I believe in doing what is just and right, following the law, and treating everyone with respect and compassion. I will ensure a just and fair punishment fitting the appropriate circumstance before me, and make sure to carefully weigh all the issues.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersI have extensive courtroom experience since I started practicing law in this county and the surrounding counties. I have represented clients in all types of criminal cases and in every type of criminal case that occurs in county court. Further, I have represented clients in many types of civil litigation, including the types of civil litigation that goes through county court. Because of my representation of clients, I have learned the importance and value of carefully explaining all aspects of the proceedings to all persons involved, making sure everyone knows what role each person plays, what is expected, and what occurs during a hearing. For many persons coming into the courtroom this can be their first experience in a courtroom. Every case should be treated on its own merit and is deserving of careful consideration and active listening. I believe in doing what is just and right, following the law, and treating everyone with respect and compassion. I will ensure a just and fair punishment fitting the appropriate circumstance before me, and make sure to carefully weigh all the issues.
Question 3
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
It has always been my goal to become County Court Judge. I really enjoyed being Acting Judge for County Court when I was appointed by the late Judge Young. The brief time I had on the bench I heard both criminal and civil matters during the height of covid. Noble County is where I was raised, and where I have chosen to raise my own children. It is home. I have practiced law here continuously since I passed the bar and have never considered practicing anywhere else. I am called to serve this community that I love and call home. I have helped many clients and families over the years in this community and will continue to do so. I know I will be fair, just, patient, firm, humble, compassionate, and respectful.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersIt has always been my goal to become County Court Judge. I really enjoyed being Acting Judge for County Court when I was appointed by the late Judge Young. The brief time I had on the bench I heard both criminal and civil matters during the height of covid. Noble County is where I was raised, and where I have chosen to raise my own children. It is home. I have practiced law here continuously since I passed the bar and have never considered practicing anywhere else. I am called to serve this community that I love and call home. I have helped many clients and families over the years in this community and will continue to do so. I know I will be fair, just, patient, firm, humble, compassionate, and respectful.